Garage Floor Coatings, what's the best type for your Garage...

If you are planning to build a new Garage now is the time to think about the Garage floor coatings.  The Garage flooring is a very important aspect of the design. Are you going to park a heavy Jeep, 4X4 or Car in your Garage, if you are make sure your concrete floor is strong enough to take the weight? You may need to use re-bar or reinforcing mesh. 
A plastic vapour barrier (4mil or 6mil) should be placed under the concrete to prevent moisture rising up through the floor. This is very important if you plan on using Garage floor paint. 

The Garage floor should also have a slope of about 1” every 12’ towards the door; this will allow water or melted snow or ice to drain away when it melts off your vehicle.

If you plan to use Garage floor paint, make sure the concrete is fully cured and well dried out before you paint it. This will normally take a month but of course is dependant on the climate and weather conditions. You can do this simple test to see if the concrete has dried out sufficiently. Tape a 4mil clear plastic sheet (18”x18”) to the concrete surface. Taping must provide an airtight seal between the concrete and plastic sheet. Check the underside of the sheet after 24 hours for signs of condensation. Darkening of the concrete covered by the plastic sheet compared to surrounding areas also indicates presence of moisture. Allow an additional drying/curing time of fourteen days and repeat the test. If moisture is detected on the second test, the surface cannot be successfully coated.

Before using any Garage floor coatings, all dust and loose particles should also be removed. A good brushing and vacuum may do the job. If the floor is porous, a sealer should be used before painting.  Epoxy paint is the best to withstand abuse, but remember, as with any painting job, the result is only as good as the preparation.

If you want to fit Garage floor coatings to an old Garage then getting the floor cleaned may be your biggest problem, especially if you plan to use floor paint.  Any stains of oil, grease, wax or polish must be thoroughly removed.  Degreasing and washing will usually do the job, but for bad staining acid treatment may be needed. This is not a DIY job and should be done by professionals.  All Moss and Mould should also be removed along with loose dirt and dust.

Floor paint with an anti slip additive,grit or similiar, should be used if your Garage floor is likely to get wet, it needs to be safe for driving and walking on.